Sheffield United: Blades target top-flight star

Sheffield United, who are poised to unveil Dan Burn as their latest new signing, have made an official approach for Leicester City midfielder Dean Hammond, The Star understands.

Sources in the Midlands last night confirmed Claudio Ranieri’s side received an enquiry from Bramall Lane, requesting permission to discuss the 32-year-old’s future, before Tuesday’s League One defeat by Colchester.

Nigel Adkins, the United manager, acknowledged after that match he plans to enter the emergency loan market in an attempt to “increase competition for places” within his squad.

“There’s always work to do,” he said. “On and off the pitch.”

Burn, who has made 39 appearances for Championship club Fulham, had been scheduled to join United on a permanent basis before the transfer window closed earlier this month. However, with an undisclosed contractual issue delaying the deal, Adkins is thought to have reached an agreement, albeit in principle, which would see the former Yeovil Town and Birmingham City defender head north at a time of United’s choosing.

“As people know, we are aware of Dan,” Adkins said. “But he is Fulham’s player.”

Hammond boasts strong links with United’s staff having worked under first team coach Dean Wilkins at Brighton before being appointed captain during Adkins’ spell in charge of Southampton.

He boasts three promotions on his CV, having helped deliver top-flight football to St Mary’s before repeating the feat after joining Leicester in 2013. United, who return to action at Bradford City on Sunday, are also believed to have held talks with another, as yet unnamed player, as they prepare for the televised encounter with Phil Parkinson’s side.